I need to work on my skin after dousing it in sun this summer, from long pre-work dog walks to attempting to keep my yard clear of wilted palm fronds.

So I was amped to check out Tampa Bay's newest medspa, Skin Pharm, which opened this week. It's the ultra-bougie aesthetics brand's first location in Florida — just a brisk walk away from Bayshore Boulevard.

They offer all the popular stuff: Botox, Dysport, filler, microneedling, Moxi + BBL Photofacials (laser treatments), and Gold Infusions. I checked out one of the treatments.

The decision-making process

When I arrived, I was between microneedling, which helps reduce fine lines and pores, and the BBL Photofacial, which tones down sun spots + other pigmentation issues.

Luckily, all of the treatments start with a consult so you can talk everything out with an expert.

My provider, Natalie, said the BBL laser might reduce the pesky sun spot I have near one eye. But you need to stay out of the sun (which I have not been) for two weeks prior, so we opted for microneedling instead.

I'm a huge local baby when it comes to needles, but I surmised shrinking my pores and redness would be worth it.

The view from the Skin Pharm office don't hurt. | Photo by TBAYtoday

Okay, so how did it go?

First up, Natalie layered my face up in numbing gel. Bring a book or take a well-earned scroll break and sip on a raspberry seltzer while your face grows desensitized for 20 minutes or so.

She needled my face in sections, and it honestly felt like the dentist's buffing tool was being used on my cheeks instead of my gums. A bit odd, but only uncomfortable on the thin skin around my nose.

It's too early to report back — it takes two weeks for results to fully emerge — but I can report a slight glow.

Try it out

Right now, the studio is offering 20% off on your first treatment. Plug in the code NEWINTAMPA. Tell Natalie Bailey said hi.